DVD The Liverpool Overhead Railway

The story begins with views of trains in the commercial heart of the City; then ships of many nations are seen in the Docks from Gladstone to Herculaneum. Colour sequences depict many aspects of the railway's life - the staff and passangers; the vintage rolling stock, some with wooden seats; the two carriage sheds at Seaforth Sands and Herculaneum; the bridge leading to Dingle tunnel; the steeply graded 'switchback' north of Nelson Dock. Many station buildings are seen including Pier Head. Special features include a cab ride; white washing at Seaforth sands; race traffic to Aintree in March 1956, and a variety of steam locos working underneath the elevated structure.

The Liverpool Overhead Railway was unique it was also a pioneer. It was the first elevated railway in the world operated by electric trains. It was the very first complete elevated line in Britain and the first to install automatic signalling and subsequently coloured light signals.

As famous as the City's waterfront, the Liverbirds and the two football clubs, the railway was known locally as 'the Overhead' or 'the Ovie'.

For 63 years The Liverpool Overhead Railway fleet of Victorian trains played a vital role in the economic life of the Port. It carried dockers, seamen, tourists, even race-goers. Closed in 1956 the Line is now part of the City's Folk-lore. This video is a magical reminder of this unique Liverpool institution - "The dockers' umbrella".

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